adj. & n.
--adj.
1. chaste, pure.
2 of or relating to the Roman goddess Vesta.
--n.
1. a chaste woman, esp. a nun.
2 Rom. Antiq. a vestal virgin.
Phrases and idioms:
vestal virgin Rom. Antiq. a virgin consecrated to Vesta and vowed to chastity, who shared the charge of maintaining the sacred fire burning on the goddess's altar.
Etymology: ME f. L vestalis (adj. & n.) (as VESTA)